Improvement in the cricketing ties between India and Pakistan in light of the upcoming One Day and Twenty20 series in December, has also lead to Indian Premier League franchises searching for Pakistani talent ahead of the players auction, to be held in January for the next IPL season.
A few national Pakistan players revealed that inquiries by IPL franchises had begun. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), owning the IPL, has not announced any formal policy over the inclusion of Pakistani players in the league.
Ever since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the talented Pakistani players have not been allowed to take part in the event for the past four seasons. A tournament which tags itself as an extreme entertainment package, is incomplete without the flamboyant Men in Green.
Azhar Mahmood has been the only player from a Pakistani origin to have participated in the latest season of the league, thanks to his dual nationality (British and Pakistani). He was picked up by Kings XI Punjab for US$200,000.
However, the visa issued to Mahmood was based on his Pakistani nationality, which shows that there are no political or democratic barriers, barring players from Pakistan to compete in the event. Furthermore, other sports teams from the country have regularly been traveling across the border to participate in tournaments.
Pakistani players themselves have shown eagerness to participate in the lucrative league, which will also provide them the opportunity to play alongside the best cricketers in the world.
